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25 days 24 nights
Vietnam Tour 25 days: Grand Journey from North to South
- Duration
- 25 days 24 nights
- Style
- Private tour
- Price
- From US$3,789
Route: Ha Noi → Mai Chau → Pu Luong → Ha Long Bay → Hue → Hoi An → Ba Na Hills → Buon Ma Thuot → Kon Tum → Sai Gon → Cai Be → Can Tho → Con Dao → Ninh Binh → Dak Lak
Your travel consultant
Travel consultant can help you to plan or answer all your question about your trip
Shape this journey with Lily DamItinerary
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Hanoi arrival (-)
We meet you at Noi Bai airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Hanoi. The rest of the day is free to recover from the flight, and your guide is available on request.
Meals: None
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi
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Hanoi full-day city tour - Street food tour (B/D)
We start with the Ho Chi Minh Complex, which includes the mausoleum, the Presidential Palace and the house on stilts. The day continues with the One Pillar Pagoda and the Temple of Literature, followed by a walking street food tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (local food tour)
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hanoi
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Hanoi - Mai Chau (B/L/D)
We drive via Hoa Binh into the Mai Chau valley and visit Thai villages where families live in stilt houses. After a homestay lunch with a local family, we explore the villages of Van, Poomcong and Lat on foot or by bike.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: At homestay in Mai Chau (basic comfort)
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Mai Chau - Pu Luong (B)
We drive to the Pu Luong retreat, reach a suspension bridge over the Cham River and walk to see the water wheels. We also see how water is moved from the river to handmade bamboo aqueducts.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Pu Luong
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Pu Luong to Ninh Binh and Hoa Lu (B)
We travel to Ninh Binh along the Ho Chi Minh trail, about three hours by road. In the countryside we visit Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, where two temples honour King Dinh and King Le.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Ninh Binh
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Ninh Binh cycling and Tam Coc (B)
We cycle through local villages and farms to Tam Coc. There we are rowed along a gentle river between paddy fields and through caves, in a landscape known as "Halong Bay on land".
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Ninh Binh
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Ninh Binh to Ha Long Bay Cruise (B/L/D) English-speaking guide onboard
We drive about three hours through the Red River Delta to Ha Long City, with a comfort stop on the way. We then board our cruise among the limestone islands of this UNESCO World Heritage bay; this is a join-in cruise with no guide on this day.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Overnight stay on a shared boat
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Ha Long Bay - Hanoi - flight to Hue (B/L) English-speaking guide onboard
We wake to the bay at dawn, with time for a morning swim, followed by breakfast. Around midday we return to the harbour, drive to Hanoi and fly to Hue.
Upon arrival, meet our local guide and driver and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Hue.
Meals: Breakfast, brunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue
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Hue Imperial Heritage (B)
Breakfast at the hotel.
We take a boat on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, built in 1601.
We then visit the mausoleum of Emperor Tu Duc, one of Hue's most beautiful royal mausoleums. Surrounded by tranquil lakes, shaded gardens and elegant pavilions, the tomb offers a fascinating insight into the life and artistic tastes of the Nguyen emperors.
Lunch on your own.
In the afternoon, depart to the Imperial Citadel, the former seat of the Nguyen Dynasty. Explore its magnificent gates, royal courtyards and historic palaces, including the imposing Ngo Mon Gate, Thai Hoa Palace and the Forbidden Purple City, while learning about Vietnam's imperial history.
After the visit, return to your hotel by private vehicle.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue
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Hue - DMZ and Vinh Moc Tunnels (B)
We leave Hue early for the former Demilitarized Zone, a drive of about two and a half hours. We walk through the Vinh Moc Tunnels, an underground village built to shelter local families from the bombing, and stop at Hien Luong Bridge on the Ben Hai River, the old dividing line between North and South. We return to Hue in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hue
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Thuy Bieu village to Hoi An (B)
We take a dragon boat on the Perfume River to Thuy Bieu village and cycle along green paths to its temples and local homes. We also see "Nha Ruong" ancient houses over 100 years old, then continue to Hoi An.
Check-in at the hotel and free time at leisure to explore Hoian independently.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoian
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Cam Thanh by bicycle and Hoi An walk (B/L)
We cycle about 10 km through the countryside to Cam Thanh, with a basket boat trip, fishing, a herbal foot massage, a cooking class and lunch at a local family house. Later we walk through the old town of Hoi An.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoian
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Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge (B/L)
Our guide and car take us to Ba Na Hills by cable car. We see the Le Jardin D'Amour gardens, Ling Ung Pagoda, the Golden Bridge and the French Village.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Hoian
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Hoi An free time, flight to Buon Ma Thuot (B) No guide
Free time in Hoi An until we transfer you to the airport for the flight to Buon Ma Thuot; no guide is included on this day. On arrival we continue to an M'nong hill-tribe village by Lak Lake.
Note: direct flights are typically scheduled on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Buon Me Thuot
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Lak Lake and Bao Dai villa (B)
We drive up to the villa of former Emperor Bao Dai for views over the lake, the town and the fishing village. We walk through the village, visit the elephants and take a dug-out canoe trip on the lake.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Buon Me Thuot
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Dray Nur Waterfall and Ban Don Village (B/L)
This morning, we depart for Dray Nur Waterfall, an impressive cascade on the Serepok River. We enjoy a short walk through the surrounding natural landscape and admire the waterfall.
We then continue to Ban Don, a village historically associated with the elephant traditions of the Central Highlands. After lunch, we explore the village, discover traditional longhouses and learn about the cultural heritage of the local communities and the changing approach to elephant conservation.
We also explore the scenic surroundings of the Serepok River before returning to Buon Ma Thuot in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Buon Ma Thuot.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Buon Ma Thuot
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Buon Ma Thuot to Pleiku and Kontum (B/L)
We drive to Pleiku and visit T'Nung lake, with lunch at a local restaurant. We visit the tea plantations and the Yaly hydro-electric power plant, then arrive in the town of Kontum on the Dakbla river
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Kontum
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Kon Tum – Pleiku – Flight to Saigon (B)
We begin with the Kon Klor Suspension Bridge and the nearby rong house of the Ba Na people. We then see the Wooden Church of Kon Tum, built between 1913 and 1918.
After the visits, we transfer to Pleiku Airport for our flight to Saigon. Upon arrival, we are welcomed and transferred to our hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon
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Cu Chi Tunnels and Saigon city tour (B)
In the morning we visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an underground network built by Vietnamese soldiers during the American war, 70 km north-west of Saigon. In the afternoon a half-day city tour begins at the Reunification Palace, the former presidential residence of South Vietnam.
We then continue to the Notre-Dame Cathedral (exterior visit), one of the city's most iconic colonial landmarks, and the nearby Central Post Office, an impressive example of French colonial architecture.
Our tour concludes with a stroll along Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where we discover the vibrant atmosphere and architectural heritage of downtown Saigon.
Overnight in Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon
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Saigon, Cai Be, Vinh Long, Can Tho (B/L)
We start with a short visit to Cai Be, walk through a local orchard to taste fruit and hear traditional music, then row on small canals. A boat crosses the Mekong River to An Binh Island, and we end the day in Can Tho.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Accommodation: At the hotel in Can Tho
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Cai Rang floating market, flight to Con Dao (B) No guide in Con Dao
Early in the morning, we transfer to the pier early and take a boat on the Mekong River to Cai Rang floating market, best seen from sunrise. Larger boats anchor in lanes while smaller boats trade fruit among them.
After the excursion, we return to our hotel for check-out and transfer to Can Tho Airport for our flight to Con Dao, scheduled to depart at 11:40.
Upon arrival, our driver welcomes us and transfers us to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax and enjoy the island's tranquil surroundings.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Con Dao
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Con Dao beach, free day (B)
Today is free at leisure to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Con Dao.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Con Dao
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Con Dao beach, free day (B)
The day is at your own pace, with time to swim or dive. No guide and no driver are included on this day.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Con Dao
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Con Dao to Saigon by air (B) No guide
After breakfast we transfer you to the airport for the flight to Saigon; no guide is included on this day. You spend the night in a hotel in Saigon.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: At the hotel in Saigon
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Saigon - Departure (B) No guide
We transfer you to Tan Son Nhat airport for your onward flight, with a late afternoon or evening departure suggested. Our services end at the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None (the check-out time is at noon, surcharge for late check-out is not included)
This 25-day tour runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It links Mai Chau, Pu Luong, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay, Hue, Hoi An, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta and Con Dao islands.
Highlights
- Mai Chau and Pu Luong: stilt-house villages, a homestay and the water wheels of the Cham River.
- Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc by bike and boat, then a night cruising the limestone islands of the bay.
- Hue and the Perfume River: Thien Mu Pagoda, the imperial city and a visit to Thuy Bieu village.
- Hoi An and Ba Na Hills: the ancient town, Cam Thanh by bicycle and basket boat, and the Golden Bridge.
- Central Highlands: Lak Lake, Ban Don, Pleiku and Kontum, with village walks and a canoe trip on the lake.
- Saigon, the Mekong Delta and Con Dao: Cu Chi Tunnels, Cai Be, Can Tho and a beach rest on Con Dao.
Where you stay
Included
- Accommodation based on twin/double sharing room with daily breakfast; homestay in Mai Chau as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise (double/twin cabin on shared boat).
- Transfers and transport by air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary.
- English speaking guide during guided time; no guide or driver on the free and flight days marked in the itinerary (days 7, 13, 21, 22 and 23).
- Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
- Meals (B/L/D) (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) as indicated in the program (Food only, excluding drinks)
- Boat trips, bicycles and cable car as mentioned in the itinerary (Tam Coc, Perfume River, Cam Thanh basket boat, Ba Na Hills, Lak Lake canoe, Mekong Delta).
- Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary: Hanoi to Hue, Danang - Buon Ma Thuot, Pleiku - Saigon, Can Tho - Con Dao and Con Dao to Saigon.
- Drinking water and cool towels.
Not included
- Early check-in or late check-out
- International flight tickets (Flights are subject to change without notice)
- Tips to guides, drivers, luggage handlers.
- Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beverages other than those included with meals.
- Telephone call charges.
- Visa - as per country requirements
- Surcharge fees (tour guide, transfer, hotel…) for public holidays like: New Year Period, Christmas Holiday, Lunar New Year.../Compulsory Gala dinners on Dec 24 and 31
- Compulsory tips:
- Group size 1-5 persons: 5-6 USD/person/day for guide, 3-4 USD for driver
- Group size 5-10 persons: 4-5 USD/person/day for guide, 2-3 USD for driver
- Group size 11-20 persons: 2-3 USD/person/day for guide, 1 USD for driver
- Laundry and dry cleaning.
- Travel insurance (mandatory).
- Personal purchases such as souvenirs, cigarettes, etc.
Quick answers
How long is this tour?
25 days 24 nights.
How much does it cost?
From US$3,789 per person. The exact price depends on your travel dates, group size and hotel class.
What is included?
Accommodation based on twin/double sharing room with daily breakfast; homestay in Mai Chau as mentioned in the itinerary; Overnight Ha Long Bay cruise (double/twin cabin on shared boat); Transfers and transport by air-conditioned vehicle as mentioned in the itinerary; English speaking guide during guided time; no guide or driver on the free and flight days marked in the itinerary (days 7, 13, 21, 22 and 23); Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary; … See the full list
What is not included?
Early check-in or late check-out; International flight tickets (Flights are subject to change without notice); Tips to guides, drivers, luggage handlers; Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, beverages other than those included with meals; Telephone call charges; … See the full list
Where will I stay?
You choose one of 3 hotel classes: Superior, Luxury, Iconic. Same route, same days: only the hotels change. See the hotels
How do I book?
Send a quote request with your dates and the number of travellers. A local expert replies by email with a tailored quote. Request a quote
Can I adapt the itinerary?
Yes. Every itinerary can be adapted to your dates, pace and interests. Tell us what you would like in the request form.
Request a quote
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